Present ideas for 73 year old parents

[piedpiper4]

I'm looking for ideas for presents for my parents who are notoriously hard to buy for! They're both 73, tee-totallers, have everything they need and want for nothing. I'm looking for something special. a little out of the ordinary that they wouldn't think of spending the money on themselves.
Last year I paid for them to have a special meal on a steam train as my Dad has a thing for trains and had been desperate to visit that line.
This year I haven't got a clue. Anyone got any ideas?
Thanks.

Do they read? Kindles?

Patio heater for spring
Theatre tickets
Night/weekend away?

National Trust or English Heritage membership?

Hotel break maybe?

A day trip or weekend away all together? - do they like gardens, so something like RHS Wisley? Time together might be what they'd really like.

Sent 82 year old mum a box of gourmet marshmallows. She loved them. Exy (pricey but worth) but scoffed as opposed being stuffed in a cupboard

I would buy tickets to their favourite band/group if they're touring or ballet/opera tickets. Theatre to see a play or musical.

If they like animals maybe a zoo experience like feeding the lions?

I'm seriously considering getting my Mum a christmassy fireguard. As mentioned elsewhere I'll be making her a crate of food and christmassy goods too.

We're also paying for her to go to European Christmas markets with some friends.

All your ideas are great, thanks. I'd love them, but they wouldn't, unfortunately! They are real home bods for the most part, so a weekend away won't work, they have all the electrical stuff (kindles/tablets etc). They're not interested in fashion, don't collect things and did all the adrenaline stuff in their youth... Balloon rides, learnt to fly (planes and gliders), sailing. Done all the London tourist bit, seen most of the London shows. You name it. They are just generally very difficult to buy for! I can't even begin ok them a naice cream tea somewher as Dads diabetics! Help faithful mners, I need your guidance.

Sorry for the typos. I fear my iPad may also be feeling the strain.

What about one of those monthly food subscriptions? Beautiful chocs, coffee etc delivered once a month? Do they like the garden? A fig, bay, olive tree?

A newspaper from the day they were born?

I gave my parents a birdbox with a wifi camera in it a few years back. They loved it- especially when it came up spring and they could watch a family of blue-tits and their 9 eggs grow and eventually fledge! They could watch it through their tv. They became very protective of their wee birdies. :)

Oh doodle, that sounds lovely!

Doodle's suggestion sounds lovely!

What about a garden bench, bird bath or bird table?

Or a day at a cookery school? Lots of hotels run these. Ditto with wine tasting sessions.

Doodles idea sounds wonderful. I can see them really enjoying that. Thanks guys.

We are getting 89 MIL one of These Tea Flasks

DD1 and dh both have one and yes expensive but they are amazing for keeping drinks hot.
So perhaps that with some nice tea?

I bought my in laws a gift card for their local supermarket. They can use it online or in store. I have previously paid for a cleaner and gardener for them too. Most small businesses will do short term contracts. An expensive car valet ?
I also bought an mp3 player from www.pastperfect.com/ pre loaded with all their old music.

My grandparents are a similar age, and I always do them hampers of nice home made foodie things and a photo in a frame from the year. Always goes down really well and you can tailor it to things they like.

magazine subscriptions for each of them?

A few years back I got my Dad an electronic photo frame, loaded with photos of all the family and his favourite places. He really enjoys it.